General DNR News

INDUSTRIES IN STATE CAN SEEK NICE³ AWARD ANNOUNCES DNR

Wednesday, July 17, 1996

The NICE³ Program (National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a cost-sharing grant program available through the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Industrial firms in Louisiana are now eligible to apply for the NICE³ grant program, announced DNR officials today.

Industry applicants are encouraged to submit project proposals through the DNR Energy Section or any other state agency (excluding universities), reports Project Manager Paul Villemarette. Funds are awarded to state/industry partnerships for projects that develop and demonstrate advances in energy efficiency and clean production technologies. NICE³ project proposals are evaluated on the basis of

  1. concept description
  2. innovation
  3. cost efficiency
  4. applicant capabilities
  5. energy savings
  6. waste reduction
  7. competitiveness
  8. commercialization/marketing plan
  9. impact on jobs
Villemarette said that interested industry applicants can submit a two-page pre-proposal by August 2, 1996. Formal proposals may be submitted through November 30, 1996. He noted that awardees are eligible to receive a one-time grant of up to $400,000 for the proposed project. The NICE³ grants support technology development that can significantly conserve energy and energy-intensive feedstocks, reduce industrial wastes, prevent pollution, and improve industrial cost competitiveness.

Last year, DOE awarded a total of about $7 million to U.S. companies in 14 states, including a grant award in the amount of $273,962 to Star Enterprise of Convent, La. The company made use of their grant award to develop an advanced on-line (computer-based) analysis system for the petroleum industry to demonstrate the Petroleum Refining Sulphuric Acid Alkylation Process and prove its effectiveness. DNR's Energy Division served as liaison between DOE and the company and as manager of the grant.

To obtain a 1997 solicitation request form and for more detailed information regarding the NICE³ program, contact DNR's Energy Section at (504) 342-8573.

Editors: For more information contact Paul Villemarette, Energy Section Project Manager at (504) 342-8573, or Phyllis Darensbourg, Public Information Officer at (504) 342-8955.

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